Sommeliers Association of India Celebrates One Year with Key Milestones

Sommeliers Association of India Celebrates One Year with Key Milestones

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 20, 2025

The Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) has completed a remarkable first year, emerging as a strong national platform for wine education and hospitality in India. Since its membership launch in October 2024, the Association has crossed 200 members, hosted India’s first SAI Best Sommelier Competition, and introduced the globally recognised Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) certifications and diploma programmes to India for the very first time.

SAI made its international debut when Co-Founder and President Amrita Singh presented India’s vision at the ASI 55th Anniversary and General Assembly in Monaco, where India was unanimously voted as a Member of ASI’s College of Applicants. This achievement placed India alongside globally recognised sommelier associations and opened doors for Indian professionals to connect with international standards in wine knowledge, service, and competitions.

“From the moment we stood before the ASI Executive Board in Monaco, our mission was clear, to build a platform that delivers rigorous education, real career pathways, and international exposure for Indian sommeliers,” said Amrita Singh, President, Sommeliers Association of India. “This first year proved that with focus, community, and collaboration, India can raise service standards, celebrate its culinary diversity, and compete confidently on the world stage.”

SAI’s first year featured several important milestones. Jai Singh was recognised as the 2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India and went on to represent the country at the 2025 ASI Contest Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He has also been confirmed as India’s official candidate for the 2026 ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World in Lisbon, Portugal.

The Association hosted India’s first ASI Diploma and ASI Certification Level 1, and supported five Indian sommeliers as they attended the ASI Bootcamp in Singapore. National initiatives such as the Sommelier of the Month programme and the upcoming SAI Job Board and Travel Board continue to engage and support members across the country.

SAI has also built strong partnerships with leading international platforms including JancisRobinson.com, JaneAnson.com, GuildSomm, California Wines, Sonal Holland Wine Academy, and Food Matters Group, giving Indian sommeliers access to world-class learning resources.

The leadership team includes Amrita Singh (Co-Founder & President), Mattia Antonio Cianca (Co-Founder & Vice President), Salvatore Castano (Co-Founder & Vice President), and Vinod Abrol (Co-Founder & Vice President), bringing together some of the most respected names in global wine education. Their collective vision centres on education, integrity, inclusion, and opportunities for sommeliers, bartenders, and enthusiasts across India’s fast-growing hospitality sector.

Looking ahead, SAI aims to expand its certifications and partnerships while working towards hosting ASI Certification Level 2 and the ASI Diploma 2026 in India. The Association is also developing a national mentorship and scholarship programme to support emerging talent.

“This is just the beginning,” said Mattia Antonio Cianca, Co-Founder and Vice President of SAI. “We are shaping a generation of Indian sommeliers who will not only serve with skill and knowledge but represent India as part of the global dialogue on wine, hospitality, and culture.”


McDonald’s India – North and East Turns Print Advertising into an AR-Powered Experience

McDonald’s India – North and East Turns Print Advertising into an AR-Powered Experience

By Hari Haran

Published on December 30, 2025

McDonald’s India – North and East, operated by Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. (CPRL), has taken a fresh approach to print advertising with its latest Signature Burger campaign, turning a traditional newspaper ad into an immersive, AR-led experience. Designed to be experienced, felt, and shared, the campaign brings the layers, textures, and indulgence of the Signature burgers to life, reflecting McDonald’s entry into India’s evolving flavour-flex era.

By scanning the print ad using a smartphone, consumers can watch the Signature burgers rise off the page in rich animated detail. The AR experience highlights the layers, textures, and mouthfeel of the burgers, making print advertising more than just visual. It creates a sensory moment that builds real hunger cravings, transforming a static format into something interactive and engaging.

This innovation repositions print as an active brand touchpoint rather than a passive medium. By combining technology with storytelling, McDonald’s has set a new benchmark for how legacy media can be refreshed and made relevant for modern audiences. The campaign underlines the brand’s focus on pushing creative boundaries while delivering immersive experiences at scale.

The New Signature Collection features two indulgent offerings. The Cheesy Mushroom burger, brings together a rich, cheesy mushroom patty with savoury Italian sauce, tangy gherkins, and crisp lettuce, all layered inside a protein bun for a balanced and satisfying bite. The Cheesy Chicken burger, features a flame-grilled chicken patty paired with a juicy egg patty, tangy habanero sauce, crisp gherkins, and crunchy lettuce, creating a multi-layered flavour experience.

Staying true to McDonald’s ‘Proudly Indian’ commitment, all key ingredients, including lettuce, mushrooms, chicken, and eggs, are sourced from trusted Indian suppliers. This approach supports local farmers and partners while ensuring freshness and flavours that align with Indian taste preferences.

By blending AR technology with indulgent food storytelling, the campaign reimagines how consumers engage with food launches, making the Signature Collection an experience that connects both visually and emotionally. With this initiative, McDonald’s continues to reinforce its focus on innovation, quality, and storytelling, delivering elevated, multi-sensorial brand experiences.

The New Signature Collection is now available across McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India, with options for dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru, and delivery through third-party aggregators.


Literary Charm Meets Wholesome Craft: All Things Breakfast Launches Jane Austen–Inspired ‘Darcy & Company’ Granola Collection

Literary Charm Meets Wholesome Craft: All Things Breakfast Launches Jane Austen–Inspired ‘Darcy & Company’ Granola Collection

By Author

Published on December 28, 2025

Pondicherry, India, 19 December 2025: All Things Breakfast Pvt. Ltd. (ATB), a new-age food enterprise committed to reconnecting food with happiness, has announced the launch of its flagship brand, Darcy & Company. Based in the culturally vibrant town of Pondicherry, the micro-bakery specialises in artisanal, small-batch breakfast essentials, beginning with a thoughtfully curated range of protein- and fibre-enriched granolas.

Marking the launch is The Jane Austen Anthology, a limited-edition granola collection celebrating the 250th birth anniversary of one of literature’s most beloved authors. Drawing inspiration from the elegance, romance, and contrasts of Austen’s novels, the collection seamlessly blends literary storytelling with mindful nutrition.

Darcy & Company is the passion project of Rashmi Naik, Founder of All Things Breakfast. After over two decades in the corporate world, Naik embarked on a mid-life journey—alongside a close circle of friends and “sisters”—to create a brand rooted in purpose, better nutrition, and joy.

“Somewhere along the way, we started swinging between breakfasts that were super healthy but tasteless and those that were indulgent but carb-heavy,” says Rashmi Naik. “Darcy & Company is about restoring balance. Food should bring joy, not anxiety. Our granolas are made with activated seeds, local grains, and single-origin Indian ingredients, ensuring they are clean, nourishing, and genuinely delicious.”

Named after a cherished literary character, the brand reflects timeless charm, thoughtful craftsmanship, and emotional connection—values that are brought to life through its inaugural collection.

The Jane Austen Anthology transforms iconic settings and moods from Austen’s novels into culinary expressions. Each blend is inspired by a literary pairing and a classic flavour profile, from buttery shortbread notes inspired by Pride and Prejudice to elegant chocolate-orange nuances reflecting Emma. The range celebrates contrasts between rustic simplicity and refined elegance, marrying globally inspired flavours with premium, locally sourced Indian ingredients.

At the heart of Darcy & Company lies a strong commitment to quality, trust, and sustainability. Granolas are prepared in small batches and slow-baked only upon receiving orders, ensuring exceptional freshness. Ingredients are ethically and locally sourced, including oats from Kerala, nuts and seeds from Auroville, and single-origin chocolate from Pondicherry and Wayanad. A key differentiator is the use of activated nuts and seeds, soaked in saline water to enhance nutritional value and digestibility.

Beyond the product, the brand is driven by a purpose-led philosophy, focused on building a values-driven organisation that prioritises conscious consumption, transparency, and a respectful workplace culture.

“Darcy & Company is more than a micro-bakery,” adds Naik. “It’s about making mornings soulful and effortless. We want breakfast to be the new dinner—the most anticipated and enjoyable meal of the day.”

Darcy & Company’s granola range, including The Jane Austen Anthology, is now available for nationwide orders.

About Darcy & Company
Darcy & Company is the debut brand from All Things Breakfast Pvt. Ltd. Based in Pondicherry, the micro-bakery crafts small-batch, artisanal breakfast essentials designed to reconnect food with happiness. Using activated nuts and seeds, locally sourced grains, and clean ingredients, the brand embodies a philosophy that is wholesome, thoughtful, and intentional.


Sheraton Grand Palace Indore Welcomes 2026 with Festive New Year’s Eve Feast and Indulgent Brunch at S Café

Sheraton Grand Palace Indore Welcomes 2026 with Festive New Year’s Eve Feast and Indulgent Brunch at S Café

By Author

Published on December 28, 2025

Sheraton Grand Palace Indore is all set to usher in the New Year with a vibrant and flavour-filled celebration at S Café, offering guests a perfect blend of festive dining, music, and togetherness. Designed for families, friends, and loved ones, the New Year’s Eve celebration promises an energetic ambience with live music performances, engaging activities for children, and an elaborate culinary spread to end the year on a high note.

The New Year’s Eve buffet showcases an extensive selection of global flavours. Appetizers include Tandoori Broccoli with Smoked Paprika, Applewood Smoky Chilli Soya Chaap, and Avocado & Cheese Canapés. The indulgent main course offerings feature Paneer Makhani Royale, Soya Rogan Josh, and Wild Mushroom & Spinach Lasagne. Adding an interactive touch, live stations such as the Live Pasta Bar, Mongolian Station, and Taco & Nacho Station enhance the festive experience. A decadent dessert spread featuring Chocolate Truffle Gateaux, Saffron & Pistachio Phirni, Baked Rasmalai Cheesecake, and Red Velvet Pastry ensures a sweet conclusion to the evening.

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Continuing the celebrations into the New Year, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore invites guests to a relaxed and cheerful New Year’s Brunch at S Café on January 1, 2026. Curated by Karam Dogra and his culinary team, the brunch is designed to combine comfort with celebration, offering a warm and welcoming setting to enjoy the first moments of the year.

The brunch menu highlights winter-inspired dishes, beginning with starters such as mini bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, roasted vegetable skewers, and comforting winter soups. Main course selections include vegetable lasagna, stuffed bell peppers, mushroom risotto, paneer or tofu roast, and winter vegetable casseroles. Complemented by freshly baked breads and sides, the experience concludes with an indulgent dessert spread featuring fruit tarts, chocolate mousse, sticky toffee pudding, and mini cheesecakes. Guests can also enjoy a range of refreshing beverages including fresh juices, mocktails, smoothies, herbal teas, coffee, and hot chocolate, making it a memorable and leisurely start to 2026.

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